The Princess of Wales charms children on visit to Evelina London

The Princess of Wales paid a visit to the Evelina London Children’s Hospital on Monday, charming the patients, blowing kisses, and getting mistaken for Queen Camilla’s daughter.

Catherine’s visit was billed as an opportunity to learn about advancements in patient care and family support at the children’s hospital, and to learn about its visions for the future as it launches a funding appeal for a new building.

According to Evelina London, Catherine visited the Edward Ward, which houses children’s cardiac patients, and the Galaxy Outpatients space, where young people attend cardiac outpatient clinics and diagnostic appointments.

As Catherine made the rounds meeting with young patients, she took the time to chat with them about their diagnoses and their time at the hospital, and to reassure their families.

Ten-year-old Erjan asked Catherine if she was The Queen’s daughter as he received a handshake, prompting her to reply that she was, instead, The Princess of Wales.

The future queen turned the conversation back to Erjan, telling him, “I’ve come to see the amazing work that is going on here, meet special children, very brave children, like yourself.”

She also revealed that Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis all love the movie Shrek after Erjan shared that some of his favourite songs are featured on its soundtrack.

Catherine also blew a kiss to three-year-old Arjun, which his mother, Mandy, said “was a really special moment for our family,” in a statement shared on Evelina London’s official website.

“It was absolutely amazing to meet Her Royal Highness. She was really interested in why Arjun has been admitted for so long, his progress and how we’re coping. She took the time to speak to us and made us feel very at ease.”

Catherine also learned how Evelina London aims to become a specialist provider for children’s cancer, and blood and marrow transplant services, in south London and southeast England. The aim is to provide a wide range of specialist services in one location.

“[The Princess of Wales’s] visit provided an opportunity to share our vision for the future and demonstrate how we are bringing together exceptional specialist children’s services to provide the very best care for children, young people and their families,” said Gubby Ayida, the CEO of Evelina London Women’s and Children’s Clinical Group, in a statement on Evelina London’s official website.

The Princess of Wales became royal patron of Evelina London in December 2018.